The past few years have been a growing experience for me, and I feel I have changed. The greatest factor in my life-changes is that I was married to a gay man. Sharing that will help me, and I hope others won't feel so alone.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Several years ago, I realized that Tony Campolo is one preacher whom I sincerely want to emulate when he talks about loving people. I know of many who describe themselves as Christians, but they qualify their relationships with gay people in the category, "love the sinner, but hate the sin." That phrase is highly judgmental, and I don't like it at all, but Tony refers to it in this video.

I want to ask that you watch this video, which is about 7 minutes long. You will hear from a respected Christian pastor and leader, and I hope it will provide insight into one more aspect of "love your neighbor as yourself."

6 comments:

Mary Kay
said...

Carol:Thanks for sharing that! I really enjoyed it.

Not to get into religion but that is why I changed denominations. I no longer wanted a church where a pastor was condemning and casting everyone to hell. Now I have peace where I am in a church that teaches love and forgiveness.Mary

I had tears in my eyes watching this because this man is a true Christian, not just a lip-service one. My brother in law claims to be a Christian but he has completely turned his back on his gay son -- won't even let him set foot in the house. This is why my husband will never come out to his family. My son and I were talking about this a while back and son very wisely said that his dad should stop worrying about what his family thinks since they are so off the mark. Sadly, he cares too much about what people think and will be a mostly-closeted gay for the rest of his life. I say mostly-closeted because he and his boyfriend go to the gay club downtown occasionally and travel out of town to one every couple months. And because he insisted I sign a non disclosure agreement during out divorce proceedings, he's dragged me into the closet with him.

Truth has a way of eventually coming out (no pun intended)and my husband's truth will too. And his so-called Christian siblings will turn their back on him and call him a sinner, and I shudder to think what his reaction will be.

We need more Tony Campolos in the world and fewer "insert name of any TV hatemongering preacher" who use the airwaves to publicly spread their vitriol.

Statement on comments and use of comments

Because of the nature of this blog, I find it important and interesting to have open comments and sharing of personal stories. Anonymous commenters are allowed in most situations. I will allow no disrespect (in my opinion) of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer people on behalf of sexual orientation or identity.

Please note that I welcome all comments and personal e-mails. Some comments will not be posted, based on my personal discretion. However, I reserve the right to include your comments and relevant portions of personal e-mails and messages to me, as content of this blog, or wherever their use can best be afforded.

This statement in no way serves as a legally binding statement. This blog is public, and it's on the internet. If you write on the internet, you are automatically giving me your permission to use what you write.